Category: additive
⚠ Controversial ingredient
A color additive produced by the controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates. Used to provide brown coloring.
Certain classes of caramel color (Class III and IV, produced with ammonia or ammonia-sulfite processes) contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) by IARC. California's Proposition 65 lists 4-MEI as a carcinogen. Like other color additives, it provides no nutritional benefit to pets.